Intraluminal ultrasound imaging device with substrate segments for control circuits

Abstract

Devices, systems, and methods relating to intraluminal imaging are disclosed. In an embodiment, an intraluminal imaging device is disclosed. One embodiment of the intraluminal imaging device comprises a flexible elongate member configured to be inserted into a body lumen of a patient, the flexible elongate member comprising a proximal portion and a distal portion. The intraluminal imaging device further comprises an ultrasound imaging assembly disposed at the distal portion of the flexible elongate member. The ultrasound imaging assembly comprises a support member, a flexible substrate positioned around the support member and including a proximal region and a distal region, the proximal region comprising a plurality of cutouts defining a plurality of substrate ribbons, a plurality of transducer elements integrated in the distal region of the flexible substrate, and a plurality of control circuits disposed on the proximal region of the flexible substrate.

What is claimed is: 
     
         1 . An ultrasound imaging assembly configured for wrapping around a support member, comprising:
 a flexible substrate comprising a proximal region, a distal region, a plurality of strips in a central region stretching between and secured at their respective ends to the proximal and distal regions, wherein each of the plurality of strips comprises a control circuit;   wherein the distal region of the flexible substrate comprises a transducer array; and   wherein the proximal region comprises a connection die for electrical connection between the ultrasound imaging assembly and an image processing system.   
     
     
         2 . The imaging assembly of  claim 1 , further comprising the support member, wherein the flexible substrate is wrapped around and secured to the support member. 
     
     
         3 . The imaging assembly of  claim 2 , wherein the distal portion of the support member comprises a spool configured to receive the transducer array. 
     
     
         4 . The imaging assembly of  claim 2 , wherein the distal region of the flexible substrate is cylindrical in shape when wrapped around the support member. 
     
     
         5 . The imaging assembly of  claim 2 , wherein the support member comprises a central region with polygonal shaped cross-section, which receives the plurality of strips of the central region of the flexible substrate when wrapped around the support member. 
     
     
         6 . The imaging assembly of  claim 1 , wherein the connection die comprises a silicon region. 
     
     
         7 . An ultrasound imaging device comprising a flexible elongate member configured to be inserted into a body lumen of a patient, wherein the ultrasound imaging assembly according to  claim 2  is disposed at the distal portion of the flexible elongate member. 
     
     
         8 . An ultrasound imaging system comprising an ultrasound imaging device according to  claim 7 , a patient interface module, a processing system and a monitor. 
     
     
         9 . A method of manufacturing an ultrasound imaging assembly, the method comprising:
 providing an ultrasound imaging assembly according to  claim 1 ;   wrapping and securing the flexible substrate of the ultrasound imaging assembly around a support member.